Auger-Aliassime Ends Long Partnership With Coach Fontang

Felix Auger-Aliassime has announced the end of his long-standing coaching partnership with Frederic Fontang following his Wimbledon quarter-final exit.

The Canadian tennis star confirmed that Frederic Fontang will no longer serve as his coach after nearly 10 years together. The announcement came shortly after Felix Auger-Aliassime lost a five-set quarter-final match to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.

The Auger-Aliassime Fontang split brings to a close a successful partnership that began when the Canadian was just 16 years old. During that time, Fontang helped guide his rise to a career-high ranking of world No. 4 and played a key role in his development. Under his leadership, Auger-Aliassime also won nine ATP singles titles.

In a post shared on Instagram on Friday, Auger-Aliassime reflected on their journey together and expressed gratitude for his coach’s influence throughout his career.

“After nearly 10 years of working together, it has recently been decided that Wimbledon would be my last tournament with Frederic by my side as my coach,” Auger-Aliassime wrote.

“Since I was 16 years old, he has guided my development and helped me experience incredible moments through this sport. He has also been by my side during the toughest moments of my career.

“In those difficult times, I always found in him the calm, composure and wisdom I needed to overcome those challenges. Looking back today, I can say that beyond being an outstanding coach, he has been a true mentor throughout my journey into adulthood.”

The Auger-Aliassime Fontang split marks the end of one of tennis’s longest player-coach relationships. The Auger-Aliassime Fontang split also signals a new chapter as the Canadian prepares for the next stage of his career.

What qualities do you think are most important when a top tennis player chooses a new coach?